Distribution

App brings Microsoft’s newest platform and operating system into GEICO's mobile app catalog.

The average year-over-year increase in insurers’ 2013 IT budgets was 6.3 percent; policy admin, underwriting and two other areas consume just over half of total new project resources, according to a recent survey of 24 CIOs.

The proportion of life insurers now offering e-signatures in their dealings with customers or agents has increased to 74 percent from 47 percent over the past five years, according to “Have E-Signatures Finally Arrived? An Update for Life Insurers,” from Celent, a research and advisory firm.

Of those currently using smartphones to make payments, 60 percent said they would increase their usage if they could track receipts, manage personal finances (56 percent), or show proof of insurance (56 percent) or a valid driver’s license (54 percent).

Mobile platform developed as a companion to Web-based risk software released by the insurer last year.

U.S. consumers are turning to digital sources for insurance quotes and other information, but still prefer personal contact with agents when purchasing.

Towers Watson, a global professional services company, has appointed three senior specialist insurance brokers to its crisis management brokerage and consultancy operation.

Aetna, Cigna and Humana among the first to offer benefits through Mercer's Marketplace.

The insurer will use the platform to process Covered California Exchange enrollment and billing, and meet the demands of new members.

iPipeline, a provider of on-demand marketing, selling and processing technology for insurers, distributors and producers, announced American Equity Investment Life Insurance Co. has selected the Content Partner platform to aggregate and distribute annuity product information and forms to 1,200 distributors via the iPipeline distributor network.